SMITH: “A FOUNDATION TO PUSH ON”

Boro Player spoke to manager Gary Smith ahead of this weekend’s visit to Carlisle United and he is looking for the momentum from Tuesday night’s victory to carry into the tie.

Reflecting on the two-goal victory over Notts County at the Lamex Stadium, Smith said “I was really pleased, it’s been a difficult period of time at home and I hope that it is the start of a turn of fortunes on our home pitch. It would certainly be extremely beneficial to turn that home form around, especially with the way that we have been playing away from home as it could be a nice combination.”

Stevenage took a very early lead, Sam Hoskins netting inside the opening minute, and Smith commented “it doesn’t come much better than that”, however his side had to wait until the 90th minute to confirm the victory as Marcus Haber rose well in the box to head into the bottom corner.

On his emotions when the ball nestled into the back of the net for the second time, Smith said “We’ve seen on a couple of occasions at home that we have fallen foul to late goals, and it’s not nice for anyone. Players, fans and staff alike, you’re all hoping and waiting for that final whistle to go but especially have things have not gone according to plan in recent weeks, to see him get that second and just take the energy and sting out of the final moments was a true relief for everybody and I’m sure the fans were feeling the exact same emotions as me.”

Next up for Stevenage is the long trip to Brunton Park, and despite the Cumbrians going into the tie in 16th, an unexpected victory over league-leaders Tranmere Rovers last weekend will inspire them going into the match.

It continued a three match unbeaten run for Gary Abbott’s men, which also included a win over promotion hopefuls Coventry City, and the Stevenage manager admitted that it is a tough task at hand.

“They themselves have probably underachieved this season and will be feeling that way but recent results have seen a turn of fortunes for them and they’ll be feeling more confident. “

He continued “No game is easy, that is proved week in week out, it has been stated before that probably from 4th to 18th or even 20th position, each team is capable of putting in a terrific performance and a good result on any weekend or any given game so no one is taken lightly.”

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